A group of suspects who stole a car and crashed it into a residence in the city of Lake Forest were taken into custody thanks to quick law enforcement response and assistance from engaged residents.
Orange County Sheriff’s deputies at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 11, responded to reports of a hit and run traffic collision near Bake Parkway and Dimension Drive.
A short time later, residents reported seeing a vehicle crash into a residence and multiple suspects run from the scene. Deputies responded, along with Duke 1 and two K-9 teams, to set up a perimeter and search for the suspects. Deputies determined the vehicle was stolen from the city of Anaheim the day prior.
Multiple residents had come outside after hearing the crash and snapped photos of the scene, which included pictures of the suspects fleeing. Residents shared the photos with the deputies on scene and they were then distributed to Lake Forest deputies.
“While we don’t encourage anyone to actively engage with suspects, we do promote being a good witness,” said Lt. Brad Valentine, Chief of Police Services for Lake Forest. “In this case, multiple people were able to stay a safe distance away and take photos that assisted us with our search.”
After residents called to report two people jumping fences in the neighborhood, deputies were able to home in on two suspects hiding in the backyard of a home on Castellana. After multiple announcements imploring the suspects to surrender were met with silence, K-9 Chavo was released to apprehend the individuals.
K-9 Chavo assisted in the apprehension of one suspect and the other surrendered without further incident.
A short time later, residents called dispatch to report a suspicious juvenile in a Starbucks near Alton and Rancho parkways. When deputies arrived, they determined the juvenile was one of the suspects who fled the hit and run and apprehended him. As they escorted the suspect out, customers cheered.
With two suspects outstanding, deputies actively pursued their search. Not long after the Starbucks apprehension, deputies were able to positively identify the two remaining suspects walking along Alton Parkway thanks to the resident-provided photos.
Cynthia Sanchez, 18, of Santa Ana; Rodolfo Miranda, 18, of Santa Ana; Tatiana Leon, 19, of Anaheim; and Erica Padillamontes, 18, of Lake Forest were arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property and resisting arrest. A 14-year-old juvenile suspect was released to family pending further investigation.
“This incident is a great example of how an engaged community can assist law enforcement in a safe and effective way,” said Lt. Brad Valentine. “Multiple residents called and shared information with deputies as witnesses, which led to us finding and arresting these individuals. We truly felt the support of the community and are grateful for their help.”
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods by calling dispatch at 714-647-7000 (press 1, then press 9).
